The bill amends RCW 9.94A.650 to exclude individuals convicted of a hit and run resulting in death from being eligible for a first-time offender waiver. This change adds a new category of offenses that disqualify a person from receiving leniency under the first-time offender statute. Specifically, it introduces a new provision that states that a conviction for hit and run resulting in death under RCW 46.52.020(4)(a) will prevent eligibility for the waiver, alongside existing exclusions for violent offenses, sex offenses, and certain drug-related felonies.

The bill maintains the existing framework for first-time offenders, allowing courts to waive standard sentencing and impose alternative sentences, including confinement and community custody. However, with the new insertion, individuals convicted of hit and run resulting in death will no longer benefit from these leniencies, reflecting a legislative intent to impose stricter penalties for serious offenses that result in fatalities.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 9.94A.650